Authorities say Lawson took payment from 14 homeowners in Toms River and Brick Township and either did none of the work promised, or less than what was agreed to. They add that the money went toward vehicles and Lawson’s personal expenses.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office added that Lawson became a licensed home improvement contractor when he moved to New Jersey shortly after Superstorm Sandy hit. They say that Lawson obtained the license after misrepresenting himself on his application by failing to disclose criminal convictions in North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas.

Lawson has been charged with money laundering, theft by failure to make required disposition, tampering with public records and related charges.

Anyone who believes that they were defrauded by Lawson’s company are asked to contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732 929 2027